TESD And Conestoga Athletic Hall Of Fame Inducts 7

TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN, PA — The T/E and Conestoga High School Athletic Hall of Fame has seven new members after a recent induction ceremony.

As part of the Conestoga Homecoming celebration, the T/E and Conestoga Athletic Hall of Fame inducted the seven honorees: George Cockerill, Elizabeth Costello, Megan Deakins, Patrick Heim, Mark Herzlich, Chris Ippoliti and Megan Havrilla Meixner.

The inductees were recognized pregame at the Homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 20 and at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Waynesborough Country Club.

These inductees were nominated for the outstanding athletic achievements they have made at Conestoga and beyond.

The hall of fame was established in 2005 to honor Conestoga’s outstanding athletic heritage. The 50 honorees have exemplified exceptional skill, determination, success, integrity and character throughout their athletic career.

See details of each inductee below:

George Cockerill, Contributor

George served as the head coach in the district for over 30 years with special emphasis at Conestoga High School. As the football coach for 13 years, his record stands at 35-18-3. In 1978, he was honored as the “Central League Coach of the Year” when the team was undefeated Central League Champions. As a result of his hard work and dedication, he was inducted into the Conestoga “Old Timers” Football Hall of Fame. As the girl’s gymnastic coach for 15 years, he never recorded a losing season. In addition, he coached track, soccer and lacrosse. His passion and commitment to athletics led him to be a part of 2 undefeated football teams and 4 undefeated lacrosse teams. George is currently retired from teaching and coaching after a long successful career.

Elizabeth Costello, Class of 2006
As a dominant athlete on the Cross Country, Track and Field, and Soccer teams, Liz established 8 school records, was part of 4 Central League Championships and 4 State Titles. After Conestoga, she pursued her BSE at Princeton University and then she continued her education by receiving her MSA at the University of Tennessee. At Princeton, Liz was a 7-time Ivy League Champion, 3-time South Eastern Conference Champion and 4-time NCAA All American in 3 different events. She is a celebrated, nationally recognized runner who competed professionally for New Balance, earning three top-ten finishes in the 10,000m at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She currently lives in Boston, working as a sales rep for MathWorks, and is a member of Mosaic Boston Church.

Megan Deakins, Class of 2008
Megan was a stellar athlete in Field Hockey, Cross Country, and Track. During her tenure on the Field Hockey team, she was a four-year varsity letter winner and received all-area and all-state recognition. While participating on the track team, she was part of an All-American 4 x 800-meter relay team. Her impressive athletic background led her to be a 2-sport student athlete at Duke University. At Duke, she is presently ranked in the top 5 all-time in the10K and top10 all-time in the 5K. Megan is currently an MD and a PhD student at Stanford University and a professional trail runner, with 5 trail running national titles under her belt. Along with her husband, David, they co-authored the book, The Happy Runner. Megan and David both coach and train professional trail running athletes.

Patrick Heim, Class of 2003
As a standout athlete on the Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse teams, Pat received 12 varsity letters and served as the team captain of each sport during his senior year. He received multiple honors and recognition in all 3 sports including; 1st Team All-Central League, All Area and All State (Lacrosse). Furthermore, he came in 1st place in the PIAA Sectional, District, and Regional wrestling tournaments and 6th at the PIAA State Wrestling Championship. His incredible athletic ability led him to a successful career in lacrosse at Penn State University where he earned 3x All-Conference and 2x All-American honors. After college, Pat was the #1 overall pick in the Major League Lacrosse collegiate draft where he spent most his playing career with the Boston Cannons. He also spent 6 years playing in the National Lacrosse League for his hometown team Philadelphia Wings. Pat is currently in Technology Sales.

Mark Herzlich, Class of 2006
Mark was a member of the Lacrosse, Football and Basketball teams. His athletic success at Conestoga gave him the opportunity to play football at Boston College where he was immediately noticed for his passion and performance on the field. He was drafted by the New York Giants, where he played from 2011-2018. In 2012, the Giants were crowned Super Bowl XLVII Champions. Mark has received over 30 awards in his athletic career from the National Football League, ESPN, American Football Coaches Association, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award from the NY Giants. Mark is currently an announcer for the ACC college network.

Chris Ippoliti, Class of 2002
Chris was recognized for his outstanding performance in the pool. At Conestoga, he was a 10-time Central League Champion holding three individual school records. During his senior season he won bronze, silver and gold medals at the PIAA State Championship and graduated as a nationally ranked athlete in multiple events. Outside of school, Chris won multiple events at the YMCA Nationals Swimming Championships. Pursuing his swimming career at Penn State University, he earned numerous recognitions including Co-Swimmer of the Week in the Big Ten and Captain of the Varsity Swim Team. After graduating from Penn State in 2006, Chris went on to begin a career in the US Navy Special Operations Forces in Virginia Beach where he currently lives with his wife of 12 years, Meghan, and their three sons; Zeke, Dom, and Luca.

Megan Havrilla Meixner, Class of 2003
Megan was a three-sport varsity athlete on the Basketball, Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams as well as being the captain for Field Hockey and Lacrosse. While at ‘Stoga, she received several awards including multiple MVP titles, Athlete of the Month, the Main Line Times All Stars Award, the Genuardi Most Outstanding Athlete Award, 1st Team All Philadelphia Inquirer and 1st Team All-American. In 2000, she won a gold medal at the Keystone Games for field hockey. During her senior year, she was a member of the U-19 National World Cup lacrosse team, which won the gold against Australia. Megan was awarded a four-year scholarship to the University of Virginia for Lacrosse as a result of her hard work and dedication. At Virginia, she was recognized both academically and athletically, including a National Championship. She is currently living in Japan with her husband and their 3 boys, with another boy on the way.